Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. During this procedure the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix may be removed as well, along with other surrounding tissue.

Hysterectomy surgery is usually performed by a gynaecologist. The hysterectomy procedure can be:

● Total Hysterectomy surgery – The body of the uterus is removed, along with the cervix and fundus. This procedure is also called complete hysterectomy.
● Partial Hysterectomy surgery – The body of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left intact. This procedure is also called supracervical hysterectomy.
● Radical Hysterectomy surgery – The uterus is removed, along with any adjacent tissue. The cervix and the top part of the vagina are also removed. Radical hysterectomy is usually performed on patients suffering from cancer. During this procedure, the ovaries may also be removed – this type of surgery is called oophorectomy.

Hysterectomy surgery is the most common gynaecological procedure – over 600.000 procedures are performed yearly in the United States alone. Hysterectomy surgery can also be performed before or as a part of sex reassignment surgery for trans men. It is usually performed in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy in order to remove any organs which produce female hormones.

Hysterectomy Candidates

Hysterectomy surgery is recommended for women suffering from one or more of the following health problems:

● Uterine fibrosis which can cause bleeding, pain or other health problems
● Uterine prolapsed – sliding of the uterus into the vaginal canal
● Cancer of the ovaries, cervix or uterus
● Endometriosis
● Chronic pelvic pain
● Adenomyosis – a thickening of the uterus
● Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Hysterectomy surgery for non cancerous medical issues is only considered after all other treatment options have failed.

Am I Suitable for Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy surgery is not recommended for patients who had one or more of the following:

● Uterine size greater than 280 g
● Previous multiple pelvic or abdominal surgeries
● Advanced uterine malignancies
● Advanced cervical malignancies
● Ovarian malignancies

This procedure is also not recommended for patients wishing to have children in the future or patients suffering from morbid obesity.

Preparing for Hysterectomy

Patients need to avoid smoking for a month before the hysterectomy surgery. The gynaecological surgeon needs to be informed about any medications that the patient may be taking, as well as supplements or herbal teas. Hysterectomy surgery cannot be performed before or during menstruation.

How is Hysterectomy Performed?

Hysterectomy surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia, but it can be done by using different techniques. Some of the most common techniques include:

Abdominal hysterectomy surgery

Advantages
● No limitations by the size of the uterus
● It can be combined with incontinence surgery

Disadvantages
● Highest rate of possible complications
● Longest recovery period
● Longest hospital stay

Vaginal hysterectomy surgery

Advantages
● Shortest surgery time
● Short recovery period
● It can be combined with a reduction procedure

Disadvantages
● It can be limited by the size of the uterus or previous surgery
● Highest blood loss

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy surgery

Advantages
● Low risk of developing complication
● Shorter recovery hysterectomy recovery period
● Less blood loss

Disadvantages
● Around 15% of patients will continue to have menstrual bleeding

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery

Advantages
● Limited blood loss
● Shorter hysterectomy recovery period

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery has no known disadvantages.

Hysterectomy Summary

Hysterectomy Recovery

The hysterectomy recovery period depends on the technique used. Patients can leave the hospital in 2 to 5 days. Patients can usually return to work in around 10-12 weeks, depending on the nature of their profession.

Hysterectomy Risks and Complications

Hysterectomy surgery risks and complications can include:

● Excessive bleeding
● Infection
● Urinary incontinence
● Vaginal prolapse
● Chronic pain
● Fistula formation
● Blood clots formation
● Injury to surrounding organs

Hysterectomy Side Effects

Hysterectomy surgery side effects can include:

● Pain and discomfort
● Slight bleeding and vaginal discharge
● Menopause
● Infertiliy

Hysterectomy Success Rates

Hysterectomy reviews set the average success rate at 98.2%.

Before and After Hysterectomy

If the ovaries were removed during the hysterectomy procedure, the patient will enter menopause. If not, menopause will begin at an earlier age. Women need to avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.